La Villita possibly due for big changes

Some time in the fall, the city of San Antonio will likely issue a request for proposal regarding La Villita, and begin the process of restructuring the retail mix at the historic site. Current tenants, some who have been doing business there for decades, will have to reapply to stay there.

But just what exactly the city, as La Villita’s owner, sees for the old neighborhood turned slum turned cluster of shops remains to be seen.

“We are committed to coordinating everything that we do with the tenants,” said Felix Padron, director of the Department for Culture and Creative Development. “We want to make sure we’re transparent. We want to develop the criteria and share it with them to get some feedback.”

At today’s City Council meeting, an ordinance was passed that extends the shop owners’ lease agreements, which were due to expire June 30, for another two years to prevent the rent from doubling. This will buy the city some time while it decides in what direction to take La Villita, which could include a new retail mix and culinary anchor, Padron said.

But shop owners disagree with the change; some think they’re being kicked out.

“They want hipsters in here. They want young professionals here,” said Sherry Disdier, owner of Bonsai Arbor, who has operated her shop at La Villita for 28 years.

“What, am I supposed to get off the planet? I’ve been down here making a living for 28 years and paying my rent every single month for 28 years. … So, what, now I don’t count? … I think the whole thing stinks.”

“I think it has to be an open book where everything is put on the table,” Fugitt said, “I think the mission statement for La Villita needs to be revealed — what is acceptable for everyone.”

Jerome Stowe, owner of Mexican folk art gallery shop Casa Manos Alegres, thinks all of the shops should be given a fairer shake.

“All the businesses here have survived a number of years, through good and bad, through 9/11, through the economic bubble, through times of wealth and tightening the belt,” Stowe said. “They are proven businesses and part of the larger downtown community. And I think the city, to come in and destroy that, it’s reprehensible.”

Padron argues that it’s the city’s prerogative to enhance La Villita.

“I think the city should exercise the option as the owner to explore the best opportunity to make La Villita viable,” Padron said. “We are just trying to canvas the community to see what are the best components we can bring together to make it work.”

“But we’re not kicking anybody out.”

District 1 Councilman Diego Bernal did not return an interview request.

“I feel that the (city) has a plan, and that they will get that plan furthered as far as they can regardless of tenant input,” Stowe said. “I think that the City Council and really the other downtown partners and residents, need to have input before they destroy two dozen small businesses in the heart of downtown.”

Stowe doesn’t think La Villita, which has been managed by several city departments over the years, needs a dramatic makeover whatsoever. He sees the beautification of the grounds, bringing back events on a consistent basis and better marketing and promotions as the keys to turning the village around.

“Parks and rec was absolutely fantastic in booking events,” Stowe said

Padron’s department began managing La Villita in October 2012. And he agreed that La Villita needs better marketing and help from the hotels.

“Marketing is only one component,” Padron said. “It’s just one component of the puzzle. I think it could work with improved signage, improved relationships with surrounding hotels. There are a lot of moving pieces that need to come together and work in sync. It’s not about one thing.”

He also sees a visitors center at the Cos House, WiFi throughout and more seating as ways the city will look to improve La Villita.